Eye health takes centre stage at parliament
On 7 October 2025, Eye Health Aotearoa (EHA) hosted the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health event at Parliament. Co-Leaders Hon Sam Uffindell and Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall hosted the event. Clinicians, researchers, community leaders and MPs came together to make way for better eye health across Aotearoa, NZ. They highlighted the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and cross-party collaboration.
Representing you at a national level
Glaucoma New Zealand (GNZ), as a member of EHA’s Board, was there to represent people affected by glaucoma. When national discussions about eye health arise, GNZ helps connect your lived experience with policy. We’re making sure decisions reflect what matters most to you and others living with glaucoma.
Wellington Glaucoma NZ Group members Katherine, Debbi, Ruth and Ross attended the event at parliament.
Vision screening for parliament staff and MPs
EHA’s event offered free vision screenings to Parliamentary staff, security teams, and MPs. Specsavers optometrist Jacob Hong led this part of the event, testing a total of 164 people! Many of you will recognise from the Love Your Eyes Symposium in Hutt Valley. It was a non-stop day for Jacob. His activity is a powerful reminder that access to regular eye checks is vital. And that early detection can protect sight for thousands of people like you across Aotearoa.
Stories that moved parliamentarians
In the evening, MPs, clinicians, and community members heard first-hand stories of living with vision loss. Bronwyn from Macular Degeneration NZ and Brandon from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness spoke. They shared what it means to lose the ability to see their loved ones’ faces, and how sight loss affects independence, work, and wellbeing. These stories show how untreated eye conditions don’t just affect eyesight; they impact every part of a person’s life.
Your experiences are shaping policy
GNZ’s strategic place on the EHA Board ensures that glaucoma is not treated in isolation. It’s recognised as part of the national eye-health conversation. Your experiences help guide this work. You remind decision-makers that behind every policy and funding discussion are real people. You manage treatment, appointments, and the uncertainty of living with a lifelong condition. Thank you for allowing GNZ to advocate for you, taking your voice to influential spaces.
Collaboration driving real change
Paediatric glaucoma specialist and EHA board member Dr Justin Mora joined the line-up of speakers at the event. He shared the impact of The Eye Health Clinical Network. He spoke of progress on collaborative work to strengthen the eye-care workforce and improve access to services. This includes training more professionals and expanding the role of optometrists to help reduce wait times. This means improving quality and timeliness of the care you receive.
Join the conversation because your voice matters
Again, it’s important you know that your experiences, questions and stories are invaluable. You help shape how GNZ advocates for better eye health at a national level. Being part of events like Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health through EHA plays an important role too. It means people like you and the challenges you face living with glaucoma are not left out of the conversation.
You can help make way for better eye health in Aotearoa by sharing your thoughts on what needs to change. Public feedback is always welcomed as we continue this important work. Email us at info@glaucoma.org.nz to add your perspective. And if you haven’t already, make sure you’re a member of Glaucoma NZ. Your voice matters, and together, we can help shape a future where no one loses sight unnecessarily.
Your voices matter – a big thank you to (L-R) Debbi, Katherine, Ruth and Ross for coming out to support the event and advocating to SAVE SIGHT!